Winter

Moonlight, snow, quiet, the crystallization  of winter.

Many folks throughout the country are having severe winter weather.   We all love the beauty of the first snow fall, and then . . . the snow builds, the winds come and the snow piles up to the roof tops.   Roads become impassible and  the fairy land becomes a tyrant to be tamed.   It does pass eventually but in the meantime it takes a 'village' to keep going.   So if you are in the throws of a violent winter storm reach out as there are many who will come to your rescue.   You find that folks are more than willing to  help.   You have a chance to get out there and help too.  The shovel is a blessing in disguise.    Just think of the exercise you get and all of the snow games you can come up with.  Build a fort for a snowball fight.   Make a snow man.  Don't forget to make some snow angels too.    Best of all it is sled and tobogganing time;  snow shoes and skiing.   So all is not lost because the violence of the storm passes and leaves a myriad of wonders to behold.

Here by the ocean we see the storms come in and create huge waves that thunder and roar.   We see our beach filled with driftwood piled sky  high so that you cannot even walk on the beach.   The water turns brown from the upset sand  and the seagulls disappear until the storm subsides.    Then comes the tide pools and the sea creatures and the long walk on the beach  where the seaweed curls  and the tiny pieces of driftwood beg to be taken and made into special gifts.  

Winter is a special time of year which brings out our courage, our stamina, our patience for we know that the storms will not last .  It reminds me of life;  the hills and valleys we live through on a daily basis.  

Be sure you share your innate talents with family and friends.    Be there when needed . . . be a pest and be there when you are not needed, although I cannot think of a time that anyone would not cherish  having you walk in the door.   Each of you has a special gift . . . share it.     Smile with your eyes, open up those arms and chase those so called winter blues away.  February is on its way, haven't  you seen the Valentine in the store. . .smile!!   Hugs to all.

P.S. the word on the calendar today is "zwieback": a usually sweetened bread enriched with eggs that is baked and then sliced and toasted until dry and crisp.  A German word meaning twice baked.    They made great teething biscuits for my children many years ago;  wonder if they are still around.